Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between quality and hygiene indicators groups (mesophilic aerobic, Enterobacteriaceae, total coliforms and Escherichia coli) with the prevalence of pathogens (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes) in a pig slaughter process.
Methods: Samples of pig carcasses were sampled in different steps of slaughter line using sterile sponges. Detection of Salmonella was conducted using PCR BAX System and L. monocytogenes by VIDAS. Aerobic mesophilic (AM), E. coli (EC), total coliforms (TC) and Enterobacteriaceae(EB) were analyzed using 3M Petrifilm. The results were analyzed by Pearson Correlation.
Results: Prevalence of Salmonella on carcasses was 15.8% and Listeria monocytogenes was 3.3%. Levels found on carcasses for AM, EB, TC and EC were 3.5 ± 0.9; 1.1 ± 0.7; 0.8 ± 0.6 and 0.5 ± 0.6 CFU/g, respectively. None of the four indicators groups tested had correlation with prevalence of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes.
Significance: Although it has not been possible to establish the correlation between a group of indicators with prevalence of pathogens, such as Salmonella and L. monocytogenes, the use of microorganisms indicators provide important information to improve quality microbiological of pig slaughter.